Romans 9:26 – “And, ‘In the very place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” there they will be called “children of the living God.”’”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s discussion about God’s mercy and how He calls people to Himself. Paul is quoting from Hosea 1:10, where God promised to restore Israel after their rebellion. Originally, this passage was about Israel being rejected because of their disobedience. But Paul now applies it more broadly—showing that God’s plan includes not only restoring Israel but also bringing Gentiles into His family.

The key transformation in this verse is rejection to acceptance.

• First, they were called “not my people”—a sign of separation from God.
• Now, they will be called “children of the living God”—fully accepted and part of His family.

This verse emphasizes God’s power to redeem and restore. No one is beyond His reach. Those who were once outsiders are now brought near through His mercy.

Historical Context

In the Old Testament, Hosea was a prophet sent to warn Israel about their sin and coming judgment. Because of their idolatry and unfaithfulness, God told them they would no longer be called His people. However, He also gave them a promise—one day, He would restore them and call them His children again (Hosea 1:10).

Paul now applies this same principle to the Gentiles. God’s mercy is not limited to Israel—He is calling people from all nations into His family.

For the early church, this was a radical message. Many Jewish Christians struggled with the idea that Gentiles could be included in God’s promises. Paul is making it clear that God’s plan has always been bigger than one nation—it includes all who trust in Him.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths:

1. God’s Mercy is Transformative – He takes those who were once far from Him and calls them His children.
2. Salvation is Open to All – God’s family is not limited to one ethnic group but includes all who believe in Jesus.
3. God is Faithful to His Promises – Just as He promised to restore Israel, He is faithful to His word in offering salvation to all who trust in Him.

This verse reinforces that belonging to God is not about birthright but about faith. Those who trust in Christ are the true children of the living God.

Literary Analysis

Paul is using Old Testament prophecy to explain a New Testament reality. The phrase “in the very place where it was said” is important—it shows that God’s redemption happens in the same place where rejection was once declared.

This reversal is a common theme in Scripture:

• The prodigal son was once lost but then restored (Luke 15:11-32).
• Peter denied Jesus but was later restored and given a mission (John 21:15-17).

The title “children of the living God” is also significant. It emphasizes that believers are not just forgiven—they are fully accepted into God’s family.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hosea 1:10 – “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”
• John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
• Galatians 3:26 – “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”
• Ephesians 2:12-13 – “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ… But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

These passages confirm that God’s family is made up of all who believe in Jesus, not just those with Jewish heritage.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.

• If you have ever felt unworthy or distant from God, this verse assures you that He calls you His child through Christ.
• If you have ever struggled with feeling like an outsider, this verse declares that God has welcomed you into His family.
• If you have ever doubted God’s ability to restore broken lives, this verse proves that He specializes in redemption.

For Christians today, this verse is an encouragement to see people the way God does. Instead of judging others based on their past, we should recognize that God can transform anyone.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people struggle with the idea of God rejecting people, as seen earlier in Hosea. But when we read this verse, we see the full picture—God’s rejection is never the final word.

• His love is restorative. Even when people walk away, He calls them back.
• His love is inclusive. He welcomes all who turn to Him.
• His love is personal. He doesn’t just call people His servants—He calls them His children.

This verse shows that God’s love is not just about saving us from sin—it’s about bringing us into a relationship with Him as His children.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason this verse is fulfilled.

• Through Jesus, outsiders are welcomed into God’s family. His death and resurrection opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to become God’s children (Ephesians 2:14-16).
• Jesus Himself was rejected so we could be accepted. On the cross, He took on our rejection so that we could be called children of God (Isaiah 53:3, Matthew 27:46).
• Jesus invites all to come to Him. He offers salvation to anyone who believes, no matter their past (John 3:16).

Because of Jesus, the promise in this verse is fulfilled. Those who were once “not God’s people” are now called His children.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt like you were not part of God’s family? How does this verse encourage you?
2. What does it mean to you that God calls believers “children of the living God”?
3. How does this verse challenge you to see others the way God does?
4. In what ways have you seen God restore and redeem people’s lives?
5. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus?